SPECULATION the Super Prix could be coming back to Birmingham has hit the skids, with council chiefs saying "it'll never happen".

SPECULATION the Super Prix could be coming back to Birmingham has hit the skids, with council chiefs saying "it'll never happen".

Leisure officials put the brakes on the idea after reports surfaced of a Formula 3 revival in Brum.

Talk of the event returning emerged on Tuesday, after the council staged a "fact finding" research trip to the Isle of Man Rally.

News of the visit sparked rumours that Super Prix was set to get the green light in Birmingham, when in fact the most that is likely to happen is a rally car demonstration.

In its heyday the original Super Prix attracted thousands of spectators as fans flocked to see drivers tackle the 2.5 mile course at speeds of up to 120 mph.

The event was staged in the city centre for four years between 1986 and 1990 and it was only allowed to go ahead after an Act of Parliament was passed allowing roads to be used by high speed vehicles.

Rumours of a redesigned route showcasing new developments in the city, such as Millennium Point and The Bullring, also surfaced. But a spokeswoman for Birmingham City Council said any new route would require another Act of Parliament and there was not the political will to lobby for one.

"If Super Prix were to come to Birmingham it would have to be on the old course, along Bristol Street and Highgate Middleway, because it is the only route covered by the old Act," she said.

"The trip made by Advantage West Midlands and city council representatives to the Isle of Man last month was to experience first-hand a rally championship event with a view to possibly holding a rally event, such as a demonstration and not necessarily a race, in Birmingham in the future.

"Despite media speculation we are not currently actively seeking to bring the Super Prix back."

The news has been welcomed by green campaigners who said they would be opposed to Super Prix in the city.

Chris Williams, of Birmingham Friends of the Earth, said the reintroduction of motor racing would have contradicted plans to reduce the city's carbon footprint.

"This is fantastic news," he said. "I am pleased that Birmingham City Council is sticking to its ambitions for Birmingham to become a world leader in tackling climate change."